Lady Nade’s velvet voice brings Nina Simone’s legacy to life at The Edge in Much Wenlock
Lady Nade and her superb band paid a rich tribute to Nina Simone at The Edge Arts Centre in Much Wenlock on Saturday night (October 11).
Opening with the rhythmic handclaps of Be My Husband, the audience was immediately drawn into a world of talent and musicality. Over the course of the evening, Lady Nade — joined by dazzling artists Chris Jones (double bass), Holly Carter (guitar), Ruth Hammond (piano), Matt Brown (drums), and Sophie Stockham (sax) — offered a rhythmic journey through Nina Simone’s songbook, weaving in jazz, blues, gospel, and even a lilting reggae rhythm on Baltimore. Each player shone in turn, taking expressive solos that honoured Simone’s tradition of improvisation and freedom.
The first half moved seamlessly through I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free, Ain’t Got No, Love Me or Leave Me, and a soulful Mr Bojangles, before Lady Nade’s powerful, pure, velvet vocals enthralled the audience with I Put a Spell on You, with remarkable control that allowed her to hold phrases until the room seemed to stop breathing.
The second half opened with Feeling Good, its familiar piano introduction instantly lifting the audience, and included a poignant rendition of Please Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, dedicated to World Mental Health Day. Her version of Lilac Wine was the show’s emotional peak — a slow-burning, intoxicating performance of a beloved classic song.
Between songs, Lady Nade spoke warmly about Simone’s influence on her artistry. The closing numbers — To Love Somebody and a barnstorming Sinnerman — brought enthusiastic applause before the band returned for an encore of new single Rainbow, a heartfelt song about having compassion for our feelings and emotions. It was a night that clearly demonstrated how Lady Nade is carrying Nina Simone’s spirit forward with grace, power, and love.
Next at Edge is Janet Street-Porter on October 20 (final few tickets remaining), Ropetackle Storytellers present Jekyll & Hyde on October 24 and folk music star Miranda Sykes in concert on October 25. Buy your tickets from the box office at Penny-Farthing, 5 The Square, Much Wenlock (no fees, cash only), or www.ticketsource.co.uk/edgeartscentre.
